ZAMBOANGA CITY–Four members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have separately surrendered this week to military authorities as offensives continue against the group in Basilan province, an official disclosed Friday.
Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, identified those who surrendered as Bin Ajalan alias Kurerep Usuluddin, Hudzri Haron, Radzmier Mundo Arangli alias Inang, and Jirham Jalil.
Uy said Ajalan, who ranks number 21 on the ASG wanted list, surrendered on Friday to the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan.
Uy said Ajalan brought along with him an M-16 Armalite rifle with attached M-203 grenade launchers and ammunition when he surrendered. He has two brothers, who also joined the ASG: Mudzri Usuluddin, who was captured during a firefight in 2016; and Jabir Ajalan, who surrendered last year.
He said Haron, Arangli and Jalil have surrendered to the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion on Monday also in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan. They turned over three M-16 Armalite rifles when they yielded.
Uy said Jalil confided to them that the ASG is using illegal drugs to lure more youths to join them. He added that the military will continue to partner with different local government units in Basilan to convince ASG members to surrender and live peaceful lives.
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has recently launched livelihood programs for surrendering ASG members in Basilan province. (PNA)
